Dolcedo
Welcome to Dolcedo!
Hello everyone, today I'll take you on a journey to discover the beautiful town of Dolcedo, located in the Prino valley, in Liguria. With its 1247 inhabitants, Dolcedo will amaze you with its ancient history and strategic location.
Physical geography
The inhabited center of Dolcedo, called "Piazza", is located in the valley, near the confluence of the Boschi stream with the Prino river. The municipal territory is characterized by four major centers: Isolalunga, east of Piazza, Ripalta, Costa Carnara, Bellissimi and Lecchiore to the west. Among the natural beauties of the Dolcedo area are the peaks of Mount Faudo, Mount Cantagallo, Mount Cinque Bourche and the Vena pass.
History
Dolcedo has ancient origins, dating back to the early Middle Ages when a series of communities settled in the Prino valley. Due to its strategic position on the Roman road that connected the San Maurizio hill to the Poggiobonfiglio hill and passed through the Prino valley, a castle was built, which in 1028 was owned by the Marquis Oldorico Manfredi.
It was later owned by Arduino d'Ivrea and Countess Adelaide di Susa, until the 12th century when it was passed on to the Marquis of Clavesana. In 1161, Dolcedo became part of the "communitas" of Porto Maurizio with the name of Terziere di San Tommaso and, thanks to the cultivation of Olea europaea, moved increasingly downstream.
Following the agreement between the Marquis of Clavesana and the Genoese consuls in 1192, Dolcedo became a refuge for important families of the time. In 1233, the Marquis of Clavesana surrendered their rights over the area to the Republic of Genoa, but in 1238, Dolcedo proclaimed itself a communal era, but suffered repression by the Genoese. The castle was destroyed in 1342.
Over the centuries, many Genoese families acquired land in the area, including the Doria family, which granted rights to the inhabitants of Dolcedo to be treated for free in Genoese hospitals.
Art & Culture
In 1505, the Dominican father Agostino da Savona founded the Pietà di Dolcedo, which later merged with the Confraternity of the Holy Spirit, active until 1863. It was the Pietà that built the loggia where various commercial activities took place, now the town hall. The preaching friars also founded a hospice with a church and convent.
The historic center of Dolcedo is dotted with ancient churches, including the Church of San Tommaso, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Church of San Nicolò, and the Church of San Michele. Ideal for a cultural walk discovering the town's history.
Things to do in Dolcedo
Dolcedo is ideal for nature and culture lovers, with its numerous paths immersed in unspoiled nature and artisanal activities in the historic center. Don't miss the Lavender Festival in Gazzo di Dolcedo, held in July.
How to get there
If you want to visit Dolcedo, there are several options. You can reach the town by car, exiting the A10 at the Imperia Est exit, continuing on the State Road 28 and following the signs for Dolcedo. Alternatively, you can use the public transport of the Oneglia Autoservizi company, which connects Imperia with Dolcedo with several trips per day.
Conclusions
Dolcedo is a small town located in the picturesque Prino valley, that will surprise you with its ancient history and strategic location. Ideal for nature and culture lovers, with its historic center and numerous paths that wind through the mountains. And if you like lavender, don't miss the Lavender Festival in Gazzo di Dolcedo!
